Date: Fri, 29 Mar 1996 12:20:40 -0800
From: Ron Buckmire
Subject: costa rica
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE...
Human Rights Decision Sets Legal Precedent for Costa Rica Gays
San Jose, Costa Rica, March 29, 1996:
In a first of its kind decision, Costa Rica=B4s "Defensoria de los=
Habitantes"
has ruled that=20
the Costa Rican government, may not deny legal recognition to gays and=
other
minorities. The "Registro Civil" of the government here considers
applications for all
legal charters.
In the decision, signed on March 10th by Rodrigo Carrazo, Director of the
Agency,
the Defensoria ruled that the original decision by the Registro Civil to
deny legal
recognition of Triangulo Rosa gay group, is in violation of the country=B4=
s
constitution=20
which guarantees the right of association to all citizens.
The National Register had eventually bowed to international pressure and
granted
Triangulo Rosa its charter, but the gay group continued to pursue this
situation on a legal
level through its attorney, human rights advocate Marco Castillo.
Thus, all future gay groups, as well as other minorities, are guaranteed
this right and no
individual employee of the government may make a decision to the contrary,
as occurred
originally with Triangulo Rosa.
Decisions made by the Defensoria are legally binding.
Triangulo Rosa President Francisco Madrigal said that "we are extremely
pleased with
this decision and we hope it will set a human rights precedent in all
Central and Latin
American countries. Gays in this region continue to suffer abuses legally
as well as
socially."
Triangulo Rosa hold activities each night of the week in its community
center in Alajuela.=20
For more information, call 442-7375 or send e-mail to=
rastern@so.racsa.co.cr.
Mailing address is Apartado 1619-4050, Alajuela, Costa Rica, Central=
America.